Multiple direction vibration absorber

Abstract

A tuned vibration absorber mounted to the enclosure of a machine. The vibration absorber is suspended to absorb the vibration created by the dynamic system of the machine. The vibration absorber includes a mass and a plurality of springs used to suspend the mass in a desired location.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tuned vibration absorber to reduce vibrations of a machine having a rotatable member mounted in an enclosure, said vibration absorber comprising: a mass;   a spring system suspending the mass from the enclosure; and   the mass and the spring system being tuned to vibrate out of phase with machine vibration during rotation of the member, thereby reducing machine vibration.   
     
     
       2. The vibration absorber of claim 1 wherein the spring system includes a plurality of springs for connecting the mass to the enclosure. 
     
     
       3. The vibration absorber of claim 2 wherein the springs are disposed in a common plane. 
     
     
       4. The vibration absorber of claim 3 wherein the mass and spring system vibrate orthogonally to the common plane for reducing the machine vibration. 
     
     
       5. The vibration absorber of claim 4 wherein the mass includes a plate member. 
     
     
       6. A vibration absorber for use in a washing machine having a tub disposed about a rotational axis within an enclosure, the vibration absorber having the advantage of reducing machine vibration when the machine is operated at an optimal speed, the vibration absorber comprising: a mass; and   a spring system fixed to the enclosure and suspending the mass generally along the rotational axis adjacent the tub;   the mass and the spring system being tuned to vibrate out of phase with machine vibration at the optimal speed, thereby reducing machine vibration.   
     
     
       7. The vibration absorber of claim 6 wherein the washing machine includes an access door, the vibration absorber being mounted within the access door. 
     
     
       8. The vibration absorber of claim 6 wherein the washing machine has an access door in the enclosure adjacent the tub, the mass being suspended to or within the door. 
     
     
       9. The vibration absorber of claim 8 wherein the spring system includes a plurality of springs, each of the springs connecting the mass to the door. 
     
     
       10. The vibration absorber of claim 9 wherein the springs are disposed in a common plane parallel to the door. 
     
     
       11. The vibration absorber of claim 10 wherein the mass has sufficient size and weight to vibrate orthogonally to the common plane for reducing the machine vibration at the optimal speed. 
     
     
       12. The vibration absorber of claim 11 wherein the mass is allowed to vibrate both along the common plane and orthogonal to the common plane. 
     
     
       13. An improved substantial horizontal axis washing machine having a tub disposed about a horizontal axis within an enclosure, and a door in the enclosure adjacent the tub, wherein the improvement comprises: a vibration absorber having a mass and a plurality of springs operatively connecting the mass to the enclosure for suspending the mass;   the vibration absorber disposed about the door and generally along the horizontal axis, and the vibration absorber being tuned to vibrate out of phase with the tub to reduce machine vibration.   
     
     
       14. The washing machine of claim 13 wherein the vibration absorber is tuned to vibrate both along and perpendicular to the horizontal axis.